I just finished reading the Bible through last year, and I was struck by the last recorded words of Jesus. We often speak of “the seven last words of Jesus” delivered from the cross, but I don’t recall ever noticing his last words recorded in Revelation. As we enter the New Year, flush with the excitement of the Christmas season – the celebration of his first coming – we would do well to remember that the story isn’t over. Here are the words of Jesus in Revelation after the first three chapters’ introduction and the letters to the churches.

Behold, I come like a thief! God’s blessing is with the one who remains awake and fully clothed in me and will not walk about naked, exposed to disgrace. (Revelation 16.15, TPT)

Behold, I come quickly! Wonderfully blessed is the one who carefully guards the words of the prophecy of this book! (Revelation 22.7, TPT)

Behold, I am coming quickly! I bring my reward with me to repay everyone according to their works. I am the Aleph and the Tav, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the Completion. (Revelation 22.12, 13, TPT)

I, Jesus, sent my angel to you to give you this testimony to share with the congregations. I am the bright Morning Star, both David’s spiritual root and his descendant. (Revelation 22.16, TPT)

The one who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22.20, TPT)

Nearly all have to do with his second coming:

• I come like a thief (16.15)
• I come quickly (22.7)
• I am coming quickly (22.12)
• I am the Aleph and the Tav, the first and the last (22.13)
• I am the bright Morning Star (22.16)
• Yes, I am coming quickly. (22.20)

As we go through 2022, let’s remember that as surely as he came once, he is coming back, and that should impact how we live.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness… Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. (2 Peter 2.10 – 14, ESV)